Captain's Log

A new aspect of ship work was added into training today. Two of the three watches went through a couple of rounds dropping, then hauling up the port anchor. This involves learning how to use the windless, the fish tackle and capstan. Working the windless brings up the lions share of the anchor chain; the capstan hauls the anchor up with smaller, slower adjustments; and the fish tackle hooks the anchor, in a couple of different places, to manoeuvre it into place. Doing all of this requires a lot of communication and coordination between the crew….just like rowing the Monomoy and sailing the ship.

Part two of today’s schedule included a run through of finding, setting up and then stowing the heavy weather gear as well as a ‘surprise’ man over board drill which included gathering gear to the hatch and using the rescue boat.

Barque Picton Castle

The Barque Picton Castle is a three-masted tall ship based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada but best known for our adventurous sail training voyages around the world. Anyone can become a trainee crew member, no experience required, just a desire to become part of the crew that sails the ship. With the guidance of our professional crew, you'll literally learn the ropes. Join us as a trainee crew member on our seventh world circumnavigation voyage beginning in April 2018, applications are being accepted now. Sign on for the full voyage or for just a leg of the voyage!

Latest Captain's Log

The day came in surprisingly clear. Mists hung over the jungles either
side of the Picton Castle, weaving in among the trees like living
things. The lapping of tiny waves along the waterline is about the
only sound br...

May 23, 2018

News

"A circumnavigation is the stuff of dreams, the ultimate sailing challenge. Few pull it off. Making one’s way around as part of a crew under square rig is even more of a storybook adventure — and thanks to the double-topsail barque Picton Castle and her visionary skipper, Capt. Daniel Moreland, hundreds of people have lived that dream."